given the fact that youre a student and moving into an internship that checks a couple of the pro lease boxes the money spent on the tranny could be the upfront lease payment and you wouldnt have to worry about costly repairs until youre on sound financial footing down the road other considerations would be how much driving you actually do lease are prohibitive on racking up excess mileage how mechanically inclined are you if not very or you enjoy driving newer cars trucks these are all pro lease you have title in hand op so you have a lot of options that folks with liens on their vehicles do not you may even consider whether the shop is interested in purchasing your vehicle as is or knows someone who can flip it giving you cash in pocket